Rory Brown grew up in care but found a home, friendship, and a much-needed sense of security working on the Double J ranch. As far as Rory is concerned, fellow cowboy, Zane Fox, is perfect. Zane is strong but gentle, kind, big, ruggedly handsome ... and straight. Rory works alongside Zane, eats alongside Zane, and when an ice storm causes a power outage, he sleeps alongside Zane ... for warmth. Inhibitions lowered after getting drunk on his twenty-first birthday, Rory Kisses Zane and confesses his feelings for the man. The next day, when Rory learns his father is dying, although estranged from the man, Rory feels obligated to see him one last time. Zane follows Rory to Kansas and confesses he has feelings for Rory, too. After learning his father has died, Rory and Zane set off for home in Zane's old truck. However, bad weather and a mechanical breakdown mean they have to hole up in a guesthouse. Rory doesn't mind, it gives him a chance to explore things with his hunky new boyfriend. And there's a lot of Zane to explore. Life on the ranch is little short of idyllic, Zane is everything and more Rory could want in a lover, protector, and friend. A tiny part of Rory knows he should brace himself for if/when the other shoe -- or cowboy boot -- drops. Rory is thrown when evidence of Zane's heterosexual past reveals itself, leaving him totally devastated. Are Zane's feet made of clay, or can he redeem himself and once again become Rory's rock?

Rory's Rock

But no matter how hard Rory tried to sleep, he just couldn’t. The mental movie of his visit to the prison played on a seemingly endless loop in his mind.


Sighing, Rory moved to sit on the side of the bed. His stomach rumbled. When was the last time he’d eaten? Barry had made him toast and coffee back at the ranch, but that was hours ago. He’d had a few snacks on the plane. He remembered there was a menu for a local diner on the desk, so he padded over to see if anything tempted him.


He opted for the classic combo of burger and fries so got dressed, left his motel room, and crossed the parking lot to the diner. The food was satisfactory; Rory couldn’t put it higher than that. He’d been spoiled by eating Barry’s cooking for so long.


Chapter 35